Censorship on Film: See a Different Movie if You Have a Problem

“There is internal censorship which the artist imposes on himself motivated by his fear of the unknown. Then there is external censorship which is exercised under constraint by various institutions called upon to maintain that which is known as order, morality, etc.”

-Andrzej Wajda, “Two Types of Censorship”

The censorship of free speech is a crime that violates the US Bill of Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is an act that prevents the artist from presenting his work to the world. When countries ban films from being shown, they’re making the statement that they do not support any kind of free expression.

By banning a film, they place a stigma on that art form, even to the point where self-censorship comes to work, and the artist changes his work to pass through the censorship laws onwards to distribution to the public. In essence, we the viewer do not get the full experience of their work.

I understand that everyone has different tastes in films, but that is what makes moviemaking great. Film has so much to offer, whether it’s comedy, drama, or horror. So why would you stand up in outrage against a film you would never see in the first place?

It comes down to a personal choice. You have the right to voice your opinion against the work, but not the right to outlaw the work. And by the way, where do people get the time to make signs and stand outside a theater to protest a film that they find offensive? Don’t make me feel dirty for seeing a movie just because you may find it offensive. I have the right to see the film just as much as the next person.

And then there’s the argument about censorship for the sake of minors. “Oh, let’s protect the children! This isn’t suitable for the children! Doesn’t anyone care about protecting our children?” Well, I’m sorry, but that’s not the job of the government. Just because a film is offensive doesn’t mean it’s acceptable to ban it from view. And I’m sorry, but it’s not the government’s job to protect your kids. Do some real parenting moms and dads and talk to your kids, show them movies that you feel are appropriate, and wait until their older to show them The Shining on a late night.